Major Characters
Sherman Klump/Buddy Love..................Eddie Murphy
Sherman is a shy, lonely, loveable and very fat Professor of Genetics at
Wellman University who is so desperate to be thin that he starts to take
a powerful drug that he has invented. The drug turns him into Buddy,
who is thin, but also sexist, overly confident and obnoxious.
Carla Purty...............................Jada Pinkett
A beautiful and sweet graduate student who is teaching a chemistry class.
She admires Sherman, and then becomes attracted to Buddy, without
realizing theyre the same person.
Dean Richmond.............................Larry Miller
The Dean (head) of Wellman University who strongly dislikes
Sherman and who is obsessed with raising money for the school.
Harlan Hartley............................James Coburn
A rich alumni (former student) who is considering
giving $10,000,000 to the school as a gift.
Reggie Warrington.........................David Chappelle
A nightclub comic who is perhaps funny, but also mean and abusive.
Jason.....................................John Ales
A graduate student and loyal laboratory assistant to Sherman.
The Klumps (Mama/Papa/Grandma/Ernie).....Eddie Murphy
Shermans wonderful, animated, loving, crude and ridiculous
family, all of whom, amazingly, are also played by Eddie Murphy!
Plot Summary
This film is the story of Sherman Klump, a very sweet and shy Professor of
Genetics (the study of biological material that is passed from one generation
to the next). Sherman is very overweight, and after he meets the beautiful graduate
student Carla Purty, he decides he must become thin if there is any chance for him
to get Carla romantically interested in him. The good news for Sherman is that a
powerful drug he invented makes people instantly lose lots of weight (just like it
did on laboratory animals), and thus he becomes as thin as he could ever want to be.
The bad news is that it also turns Sherman into "Buddy," a sexist and obnoxious guy,
and the worst news of all is that the drug doesnt last very long, and thus Buddy
suddenly turns back into the overweight Sherman at very unpredictable and
inappropriate times.
Despite Buddys personality , Carla becomes attracted to him, and thus Sherman
continues to take the drug in order to be with her. In fact, Sherman and Buddy look
so different that Carla doesnt realize that theyre the same person, but of course,
there are great difficulties in trying to be two totally different people at the
same time. In the long run, Sherman must face the fact that his wonder drug is far
from perfect, and that if he wants to win Carlas heart, it will have to be as the
shy and loveable person that he truly is.
Some Words and Expressions that You May not KnowSherman meets Dean Richards and promises to behave well, so that Wellmans rich alumni will continue to give to the school.Macho man [Song]
"Macho" is a popular Spanish word for very masculine or manly.
Dont you feel like a pony when you sweat?
A young or baby horse.
Im voguing! You can vogue!
A ridiculous and rarely used slang verb that is used to
describe the act of imitating beautiful fashion models.
Im going to have an aneurysm! My calves are burning!
"An aneurysm" is a dangerous blood clot or stoppage in
the brain. A "calf" is the part of the leg above the knee.
Were in the vanguard of research.
If a university is in the "vanguard of research," they are studying things
that others have not yet studied or researched, but that will prove to be
very important in the future.
This is the most peculiar thing, because I
distinctly remember locking up last night.
If something is "peculiar," it is strange or bizarre, and often
very unexpected. "Distinctly" is an adverb that means specifically.
I locked those cages and picked up my portfolio.
A portfolio is a type of flexible case for carrying loose papers.
I must have grazed the switch.
"To graze" something is to touch it lightly in passing (And for cows,
it is to eat grass). A "switch" is a device for turning things on and off.
Ill tend to Shelly.
In this case, to "tend to" a person (or animal) is to take care of them.
How are you, my little powder puff?
A sweet but ridiculous term of affection.
Shes lost three ounces since the last feed.
An "ounce" is 1/16th of a pound. Though rare, "feed" can be a noun.
Her entire molecular structure has been realigned.
"Molecular structure" is a scientific concept for the way molecules
(groups of atoms) are put together. If something is "realigned,"
it is rebuilt, or arranged in a different way.
This new formula...has actually reconstructed Shellys DNA.
Here, a "formula" is mixture of various ingredients to form a drug.
"DNA" is a key concept in genetics, and the building blocks of all life.
What if we upped the dosage?
"To "up" something is to increase it, and "dosage" is the amount of a drug
that a person is supposed to take (usually prescribed by a doctor).
One step at a time; We dont want to jeopardize Shelly.
"To jeopardize" a person (or animal) is to put them in danger.
Were trying to win a grant here. As Arsenio would say, "Lets get busy."
A "grant" is a gift of money, often by a rich institution
or person to help a school or person carry out research.
Comfy? :: Quite.
"Comfy" is a short way of saying comfortable, and in
this context, "quite" means very or pretty much.
Anything I can get you? Juice? Coffee? Rack of lamb?
A very large piece of meat that is often served for celebrations.
Shes a lovely woman who so generously donates
money to help fund our science department.
A useful word for pretty or attractive (More British than American).
Gerbils are more streamlined and hamsters have a tendency to be fluffier.
A "gerbil" is a small animal that is often used in science laboratories.
If something is "streamlined, " it is thin or sleek. A "hamster" is another
small animal that is widely used in labs. If certain animals have a "tendency
to" be a certain way, they are often that way. If an animal is "fluffy," it
is covered with lots of light fur.
The male hamsters scrotum has a tendency
to be disproportionally...never mind...
The "scrotum" is the sac that contains the testicles (balls) in males.
If something is "disproportional," it is not the right or correct size
compared to something else. "Never mind" means forget it.
The National Rifle people are right. If I had one now, bang...
"The National Rifle Association" is a large group of gun-owners.
"Bang" is the sound that an explosion or a shooting gun makes.
What Mrs. Vidivox witnessed was 5,000 healthy hamsters
bred from a genetically deficient hereditary line.
"To witness" something is to observe or see it. "To breed" animals
(past participle is bred) is to arrange for them to reproduce. A "genetically
deficient hereditary line" is a scientific way of saying parents or ancestors
that had serious biological or medical problems.
Listen to me carefully, you fat tub of goo...
"Goo" is any type of thick liquid or sticky substance.
For years, youve single handedly alienated every wealthy donor weve had.
"To alienate" a person is to drive them away or perhaps to make
them angry. A "wealthy donor" is a rich person who gives money.
Air conditioning schools are outdrawing us. Weve
lost so much money, red is our school color.
In this case, "to outdraw" another school is to raise more money.
"Red" is a color associated with debt and lack of money.
Inner city schools have better computers
than we do; Bosnia wants to give us money.
If schools are in the "inner city," they are often thought to be very poor.
Bosnia is a part of the former Yugoslavia badly hurt by Civil War.
Hartley is the last rich alumnus that we got.
An "alumnus" is a former student of a particular school.
Ill let you know how to handle it.
In this context, "to handle" something is to take care of it.
Sherman meets Carla at school, and then goes home to a nice Klump family meal.
Of all the equations youll learn during the course of
your studies here, this equation shall be the most helpful.
An "equation" is a mathematical statement or formula, such as F=MA.
The equation fundamentally breaks down what DNA is composed of...
If an equation "breaks down" a substance, it shows what the individual
ingredients are that are necessary to make it. If a substance is "composed of"
certain ingredients, it is made from them.
I havent really messed myself. I mean, I havent
messed myself. I messed my shirt up.
"To mess up" a shirt is to damage it (Generally, one
never really "messes oneself," as Klump uses it here).
Theres a pop quiz on Wednesday.
A small test that some teachers love to give.
It makes the table look more festive and the kids enjoy it.
If something looks "festive," it looks cheerful or perhaps part of a celebration.
Im between classes and I got a minute to chat.
"To chat" is to talk casually, or in a familiar or informal style.
Im a grad student and Im teaching my
first intro chemistry class across the hall.
A "grad student" is a student who is getting an advanced degree, such as
an MA or a Ph.D. "Intro" is short for introductory, or beginning.
Im fatter, uh, flattered youve been following my work the way you have.
If a person is "flattered" by something positive that someone else
has said about them, they feel good about it or are appreciative.
Shes fine.
In some contexts, "fine" is a very slangy way of saying sexy or good looking.
This is so fabulous. Aint nothing like getting
together with family and having a good meal.
A nice alternative to wonderful or fantastic (Note that
aint is very ungrammatical and should be avoided).
You know mashed potatoes give me gas.
In this context, "gas" is the intestinal gas from
your stomach after you eat the wrong food.
Ill kick yo ass.
"To kick a persons ass" is to attack them or beat them up
(In Black English, "your" is often pronounced "yo").
Hey, youre supposed to eat that thing, not scalp it.
"To scalp" a person is to remove their hair or possibly skin.
Daddy, all the calories in the chicken are found in the skin.
"Calories" are the units of energy found in food
(If you eat too many, you get fat).
You know where that comes from? That damn TV.
A filler adjective used to express anger, frustration or other emotion.
Everybody looking all anorexic, talking about thats healthy.
If a person is "anorexic," they suffer from anorexia, a mental disease
in which they refuse to eat because they are desperate to stay thin.
She gone lose her weight. Wasnt nothing wrong
with her. She was fine; Oprah was a fox!
Oprah is a very famous African-American talk show host, and a "fox" is a
slang word for a sexy woman (Note the grammatical variations in Black English here).
And Luther Van Dross; Nigger used to be the black
Pavarotti. Lost all that weight, looking all ashy.
Van Dross is a famous black singer, and Pavarotti is a world famous Italian
opera singer. Note that "nigger" is a horrible racist slur, but that many black
people use it casually among themselves (You should avoid saying it). If a person
looks "ashy," they look sickly (like ashes), but this is rarely if ever used.
I seen Oprah on Hardcopy last week. Was the picture of health.
"Hardcopy" was a popular TV show on the entertainment business. If a person
is "the picture of health," they are very healthy and energetic.
Letterman, Leno, Montell, Ricky Lake. :: I like Geraldo.
All of these people are well known TV talk show hosts.
You know, Mike Douglas used to make me moist when Id watch his show.
Mike Douglas was a talk show host in the 1970s. "Moist" means wet or perhaps
juicy and is often used for food, but here it is used as a completely ridiculous
way of saying sexually excited (for a woman).
I would like to volunteer to put this old bird out of his misery. ::
Dont you dare say something like that about Mama!
"To put a person (or animal) out of their misery" is to gently kill them as
an act of kindness. "Dont you dare " is a strong way of telling a person
not to do something because they have no right to do it.
Youll walk over, but youre limping back.
"To limp" is to walk with great difficulty or with only one strong leg.
Your problem is you did work out!
"To work out" is to exercise in order to stay healthy.
Hes a little Hercules.
A famous Greek God who is known for being super strong.
Once you work out, your metabolism starts to speed up.
A persons "metabolism" is the biological system in the body that absorbs
food and burns off fat (If it is fast, it is easier to stay thin).
Recent studies have shown that certain people
are genetically predisposed to gain weight.
If a person is "genetically predisposed" to be a certain way (such as fat),
they are born with the genes that make it likely they will be that way.
All Im saying is scientific breakthroughs are occurring all the time.
A "breakthrough" is a great discovery or advance that can lead to a
new drug or some other kind of technological or social improvement.
The only thing about to break through
is your ass, through the seat of your pants.
"To break through" means to penetrate or cut through a material.
Im thinking about getting an appointment
and getting my coloncleansedthoroughly.
An "appointment" is a meeting with a professional, such as a doctor.
A persons "colon" is a part of their intestine or stomach that stores
food before it is omitted (through the anus). "To cleanse" is to clean,
and "thoroughly" is an adverb meaning completely.
Now my colon is clean. Squeaky clean.
If something is "squeaky clean," it is so clean that it makes a squeaking
sound when you touch or rub it (Of course, this usually is used for
something like a plate or counter top, and not a colon!)
Dont break gas and destroy our meal.
"To break gas" (more commonly to pass wind) is an
unpleasant little phrasal verb meaning to fart.
What do you think a colonic is?
A medical procedure in which a narrow tube is inserted in a
persons anus in order to clean their colon. Isnt that fascinating?
Ill toss this between the crack of your ass.
"To toss" something is to throw it.
When the good Lord made you, he made you beautiful inside and out.
"The Good Lord" is an affectionate way of referring to God.
Get your lazy ass up! :: Mind your own damn business!
A strong way of telling a person to stop trying to find out personal
information about you (The filler adjective damn shows anger).
Sherman finds the courage to ask Carla out, but their date is soon ruined by Reggie the Comic.
You caught me in the middle of a little step aerobics.
"Step aerobics" are a type of exercise in which people quickly
move up and down steps in order to sweat and lose weight.
I looked your address up in the faculty directory; I hope you dont mind.
A "faculty directory" is a book that has the addresses and
phone numbers of all the teachers and other staff at a school.
I was wondering if...if you planned on going out to get something anyway...
and on an occasion like that you didnt want to do that alone...
"I was wondering if..." is the safest way to begin a sentence where
you want to ask a person out on a date, especially if youre shy!
Professor, are you asking me out on a date?
A meeting or get-together between people that may have
the possibility of turning into a romantic relationship.
Screaming is good for you. It clears the epiglottis.
"To scream" is to yell or shout (and here, "The Scream" is the name
of a club). An "epiglottis" is a thin plate in the back of the throat.
Get all the phlegm and mucus down. Thats disgusting!
"Phlegm" and "mucus" are two words for the wet and slippery
secretions found in the nose, throat and other parts of the body.
It will be a scream at The Scream.
If something is "a scream," it is very enjoyable or fun. Very slangy.
Youre not pathetic! :: People, pounds do not lose themselves!
"Pathetic" is an excellent adjective meaning completely pitiful or so poor
or bad in some way that its embarrassing. The second sentence is a way of
saying that its hard work to lose weight.
Quiet down, god damn it!
A vulgar expression to show anger.
Maybe you should try Jenny Craig.
The name of a company (named after a person)
that sells food in order to help people lose weight.
Professor K, hows it going?
Note that some students call their professors
(or other people) by the first initial of their last name.
So you actually altered her genes? :: Yes, and if I hadnt
done it, Shelly would be in hamster heaven right now.
"To alter" something is to change or modify it. "Genes"
are the biological code that all living things are made of.
Sherman, you are absolutely amazing. :: Well, we do what
we can. Got to keep on trying, got to keep on pushing.
"Amazing" is an excellent alternative to incredible. The second sentence
is Klumps way of saying you must constantly try to do well.
You all give it up for my man Reggie Washington!
"You all" (often pronounced "yall") is a colloquial way of saying all of you.
In a night club, "give it up" is a way of asking the audience to applaud or cheer.
He sure is animated.
An interesting adjective meaning energetic or highly spirited
Whats up?! Woman be shopping. Look as her head full of curly fries.
"Whats up" is a very common way to greet a person and to ask them what
new in their life. Note the grammar of Black English in the second sentence.
"Curly fries" are French fries, shaped in a spiral.
Look at this white dude, right here. What is a weave exactly?
"Dude" is a very slangy word for a guy. A "weave" is a type of sewing
pattern or style (Reggie is making fun of how white people speak).
Shes got more extensions than ATT.
An "extension" is both an additional added piece to a wire or rope
or in the context of phones, an outlet for an additional phone number,
as well as a type of tightly bound hair style. ATT is a big phone company.
Excuse me, Im going to go to the restroom.
A common way to say bathroom.
Its a full moon tonight! I think I found where
they hid Jimmy Hoffa! :: Thats a good one.
Jimmy Hoffa is a labor leader killed by gangsters in the 1970s,
but his body was never found. "A good one" is how to refer to a funny joke.
You got more crack than Harlem.
Another play on words. "Crack" can be both a dangerous form of cocaine,
and a reference to the space between a persons butt cheeks. Harlem is
a famous African-American area of New York City.
Got to put his belt on with a boomerang.
A device that flies back to where it was thrown from.
Who is sucking whose titties over here?
A silly and rarely used slang word for female breasts (though here
Reggie is saying that Sherman is so fat that he has breasts too).
Last time this brother felt a breast,
it was in a bucket of KFC. Extra crispy.
Note that some black people refer to other black men as brother. A "bucket
of KFC" is a container of Kentucky Fried Chicken, and if it is "extra crispy,"
it is well cooked so that the skin is crunchy.
He must be on that new diet. Slim slow.
"Slim" is thin, and "Slim Fast" is the name of a diet drink.
Now we know whats eating Gilbert Grape, dont we?
"Whats eating Gilbert Grape?" is the name of a movie about a very
fat family (If something is "eating you," it is really bothering you).
Sherman, you are a brilliant man. :: You have a pleasant evening.
"Brilliant" is an excellent adjective meaning extremely smart or talented.
His fraternity was having this thing called Pig Day.
A "fraternity" is a group of male college students who live together and
often take part in silly activities like drinking as much as possible.
I want him prepped immediately. Give me four CCs of ambethol.
In a hospital, "to prep" a person is to prepare them for surgery, a "CC" is a
unit of measurement for a drug, and "ambethol" is a type of drug.
Blood pressure 180 over 110 and still climbing.
Blood pressure is measured by noting one number over another (120 over 80
is closer to normal---180 over 110 is very high!). If a number is "climbing,"
it is going up (the way a person climbs a hill).
Whats the status? :: Hes getting fatter; We cant stop it!
The "status" of a situation is the condition or important facts surrounding it.
Hey everyone, run for the hills! Its Fatzilla!
A silly play on words; The classic Japanese monster movie is called Godzilla.
Oh my God, hes going to blow. :: Way to go, thats my boy!
In this case, "to blow" means to explode or blow up. If a person says "way to go,"
they are telling you that youve done a good job or accomplished something of value.
Sherman discovers his miracle drug makes humans thin, and soon Buddy shows Carla how to get revenge against Reggie.
Shelly, youve been the guinea pig long enough.
Its time to see if this stuff really works. A "guinea pig" is a cute little
animal that is very often used in laboratories for various experiments.
"Stuff" is an over used word to refer to things in general.
I dont have breasts! Im an A-cup! I dont need a bra anymore!
An "A-cup" is a small size for a bra. A "bra" is a piece
of clothing that is used to support or hold up female breasts.
My ass is gone! Im slim, slim, slim!
Another word for thin. It has a positive connotation, unlike skinny!
Ill be damned! I can see my dick!
The first sentence is a somewhat old-fashioned and colloquial way to express
great surprise or disbelief. A "dick" is a slangy word for a penis.
I am the stair master! I can do stairs!
A "stair master" is an exercise machine that is popular for
losing weight ("To master" a skill is to become an expert at it).
Wheres the spandex section?
A type of material that is found in tight or elastic clothing.
Isnt that like Sherman to hog all the credit? Im Shermans confidante.
"To hog the credit" for something positive is to claim that you are the
person who is responsible for having done it, even if others contributed
to it. A "confidante" is a person who you put great trust in.
Oh, Miss Purty, he tore his chunky ass off.
A "chunky" person is chubby or overweight.
No matter what, youve got to suck in your gut and strut.
A persons "gut" is their stomach, and "to strut" is to walk
with a proud or overly confidant style, like certain big birds.
You know, youre just too feisty and a little too fine.
A person who is "feisty" is filled with nervous energy, assertiveness or defiance.
You and me need to hook up...We need to go to The Scream
tonight and strut our respective stuff together.
In this case, "to hook up" is to get together, perhaps for a romantic or
sexual relationship, and "to strut our respective stuff" is Buddys very slangy
way of saying that he and Carla should show off their talents and good looks.
Hey buddy, what the hell happened here?
A common filler expression that is added to WH
questions to show emotion such as anger or frustration.
The professor must have got a little carried away last night.
If a person "gets carried away" doing something, they get too emotional,
or determined, and go well beyond what is necessary or advisable.
Please thank your wife Claire for bringing that
upside-down cake for him. He ate every crumb of it.
"Upside-down cake" is a type of dessert that is very fattening!
A "crumb" is a very small piece of bread or other type of food.
Can you have someone from janitorial clean up this mess please?
A "janitor" is a person who cleans public places like schools and office
buildings (They usually work in the janitorial department). In this case, a "mess"
is a dirty, soiled or cluttered area (The adjective is messy).
People have a tendency in life to always want to rush into things.
If people have a "tendency to" do something, they are likely to do it.
You students just review what we went over yesterday.
"To review" a school subject is to study it again. "To go over" a subject
is to either study it or discuss it with others, often in a classroom.
Buddy Love; Hes quite a character, huh?
If a person is "quite a character," they are extremely different, unusual or
even strange (A character is also a person in a film, play or novel).
He asked me out and he said it was your idea.
"To ask out" a person is to see if they would like to go out on a date,
such as dinner or a film, which could lead to a romantic relationship,
Did you find him attractive?
A useful adjective meaning pretty or handsome.
By all means, do that.
One way of saying definitely or absolutely.
Ill even put in a good word for you with Buddy.
If somebody "puts in a good word" for you, they are
telling another person something good about you.
Be careful. If theres a scratch on the car, theres a scratch on your ass.
A small line, mark or injury, often caused by rubbing or scratching.
You are too fine to be giving me the curbside service.
The act of driving a car to or from a parking space
(The curb is the part of the sidewalk that touches the street).
They say anticipation makes the appetite grow stronger.
"Anticipation" is the often anxious or excited feeling you have when
waiting for something. A persons "appetite" is their desire to eat.
I needed fresh drawers. My mothers sick. The car broke down.
In this case, a mans "drawers" are his underwear
(The all white cotton type of underwear are called briefs).
Hear me out! Im sorry!
One way of saying "Please listen to me!"
Hey, dont let the tears fool ya! Im a tooth chipper!
Buddys way of saying a person who eats a lot, but this is never used
("To chip" a tooth is to break off a tiny part of it, perhaps when eating).
Six T-bones, 5 baked potatoes and two servings of creamed spinach.
A "T-bone" is a type of a big steak. If a "vegetable" is creamed, it is finely
cut and mixed with water or a sauce to form a type of a cream.
Its a matter of recombinant acids unzipped by radioactive guanine peptide.
This is Buddys very technical way of describing how people become fat
(The biochemical vocabulary isnt important, but you should know that to
unzip a zipper is to open it, and to zip a zipper is to close it).
I hate this guy. He is so obnoxious.
A critical adjective to describe a person who is loud, mean, too
confident, arrogant, abrasive or has other disagreeable qualities.
Its your world! Im just a squirrel trying to get a nut.
A "squirrel" is a cute little rodent, similar to a chipmunk (This is
Buddys way of telling Reggie how important he is in the world).
Its so small he needs tweezers to take a piss.
"Tweezers" are a small metal instrument used to pick out or pluck
tiny objects, such as a splinter from your skin. "To take a piss"
is a common colloquial way of saying to urinate or go to the bathroom.
Tweezers on his dick!
A common slang word for a penis.
I had to give myself the Heimlich.
"The Heimlich Maneuver" is a famous procedure that is used to try
and expel something from the throat of a person who is choking.
You mind waiting for the punch line, first, bro?
The "punch line" to a joke is the last line that is supposed to be the funniest
part. "Bro" is short for brother, which is how many black men refer to each other.
Youre so funny the way you take a persons
personal defects and flip it around.
A persons "defects" are physical (or emotional) imperfections or problems.
"To flip something around" is to turn it upside down, or in this case, to change
the focus from one person to another.
Youre on your way...Youre going to the top. Youre the next Lenny Bruce.
Buddys way of telling Reggie he will become one of the most
popular comics in the country (Bruce was a famous 1960s comic).
Look at Reggies gums and teeth. It looks
like his mother had an affair with Mr. Ed.
A well known "talking horse" that had its own TV show in the 1960s.
They can visualize your mother in a barn with Mr. Ed!
"To visualize" something is to be able to see it in your mind, even if
its not in front of you. A "barn" is where farm animals are housed.
Its your teeth. I dont know whether to smile at you or kick a field goal.
A "field goal" is a 3 point kick that is made through two widely
separated polls in American football. This is Buddys way of saying
that there is a lot of space between Reggies teeth.
Reggie, your breath is so stink people look forward to your farts.
In fact, "stink" is never used as an adjective, though Buddy does
so here. A "fart" is a crude word for the passing of (stomach) gas.
The glove is coming off.
This is Reggies way of saying he is going to become very serious and hard
hitting (If gloves came off in boxing, the boxers would be much more likely
to be hurt).
Its time for Reggie to lay into your mama.
"To lay into" a person is to severely criticize them. "Mama"
is an old-fashioned but still widely used word for mother.
Your mothers so fat she went to Sizzler and the bitch got a group discount!
A crude joke. The Sizzler is a popular steak restaurant, "bitch" is a vulgar word
for a mean or abusive woman (though Buddy and Reggie use it for any female),
and a "group discount" is a special low price for when two or more people
buy the same thing.
Your mothers so fat the bitch need a Thomas guide to find her asshole.
A well known book of city street maps.
Your mother is so fat after sex I rolled over twice and Im still on the bitch.
"To roll over" is to turn your body like a wheel, in a half circle.
Shes so fat she fell in the Grand Canyon and got stuck.
More silly fat jokes: The Grand canyon is a huge canyon in the
state of Arizona, and if a person is "stuck," they are unable to move.
Reggies mamas so fat that the bitch gets her toe nails painted at Earl Scheib.
The name of a company that is known for painting cars (not nails!).
Get off the stage. You aint in show business.
The general terms for movies, theatre, music, etc...
Her blood type is rocky road...and her belt size is the equator.
"Rocky road" is a type of chocolate ice cream with lots of nuts.
The "equator" is the line that goes around the earth at its widest point.
I cant take this shit no more.
A crude way of saying "I can no longer accept this (or deal with this)."
Its time for Reggie to Karatasize your ass.
"Karate" is a famous martial art of physical defense, but this is a verb
that does not exist and is never used. Reggies way of saying hes going
to attack or beat up Buddy.
I heard of dreadlocks, but shitlocks?!
"Dreadlocks" are narrow strands of hair that are popular with blacks
(Shitlocks is not a word, but Buddy is saying Reggies hair has shit in it).
Take that pile of shit off your head. You go too far with the comedy.
A "pile of shit" is a crude way of referring to any stack or bunch
of anything that is considered dirty or unpleasant or disgusting.
Hey, who pinched my ass? Cut it out!
"To pinch" a person is to hold their skin tightly between your
thumb and finger. "Cut it out" is an excellent colloquial expression
which simply means "stop it!"
Well, believe it, because amazing is my middle name.
When people want to brag or boast about a quality they have (in this case,
that they are amazing), they will say so with the expression above.
This is our moment; I dont want to ruin it with talks of Sherman.
"To ruin" something is to wreck or destroy it.
Buddy suddenly turns back into Sherman, and later Sherman invites Carla to dinner to meet his family.
Your lip is swollen!
If something is swollen, it is enlarged or puffed up beyond normal size.
Im having an allergic reaction. Its giving me gas, too.
An "allergic reaction" to something in the air is a biological reaction in
which you start to sneeze, have watery eyes or something similar. If a certain
food "gives you gas," it upsets your stomach and makes you pass gas or break wind.
You have to go catch a cab.
A "cab" is another common word for a taxi.
I got to go to the drugstore and get some Benedryl and Kaopectate.
Two common drugs used to treat skin and stomach problems.
What the hell is the matter with you, man?!
Oh man, this is Freddie Kruger shit, man.
Note that "man" is a very common filler word with no meaning which is best
to avoid saying. Freddie Kruger is the name of a character in 1980s horror
movies whose face is always exploding or contorting
I was trying to see how the students would
respond to a teacherless environment.
This is Shermans ridiculous and scientific way
of referring to a classroom that has no teacher.
My cars in the shop. :: So you put a $47,000
luxury car on your faculty account?
In this context, "the Shop" refers to the mechanics garage where
cars are fixed. A "faculty account" is a bank account where teachers
can get money to pay for school related expenses.
Initially I requested a Yugo, but this is all they had.
"Initially" is another way of saying at first, or at the beginning.
A "Yugo" was a very cheap and poorly made car from Yugoslavia.
I though maybe youd start screaming and hollering and maybe even fire me.
"To holler" is to scream or shout. "To fire" a person is to officially
tell they can no longer work at their job. A powerful and sad verb.
Ive got bigger fish to fry.
If a person says that they have "bigger fish to fry," this means they are
concerned about more important things then what youre discussing.
Hes offering that tinytrinket that can save your entire research program.
"Tiny" means very small, and a "trinket" is any small
piece of jewelry or other small object that has little value.
He wants to hear your grant proposal personally.
A "grant proposal" is an official request for money,
often made by a school to a rich charitable institution.
Friday night. The Ritz. 8 o clocksharp.
One way to say at exactly 8 o clock (not a minute later).
I promise you. I wont let you down.
"To let a person down" is to disappoint them,
especially when they are depending on you.
I dont mean that as a euphemism. Im going to literally kill you. Im going
to strangle you and choke off your air supply until you pass away.
A "euphemism" is a gentle or inoffensive word for one that might cause
offense or discomfort. "To strangle" a person is to cut off the air theyre
breathing by choking them around the neck. "To choke off" the air supply is
to cut if off. "To pass away" is a euphemism for to die.
Its a complete metabolictransformation.
Your "metabolism" is the biological system that helps digest and expel
food (metabolic is the adjective). A "transformation" is a complete
change or restructuring.
The data for Shelly was already so compelling.
If data or information is "compelling," it is powerful
and convincing for a particular point of view.
I have a case of infatuationof sorts with Miss Purty.
"Infatuation" with a person is a strong romantic attraction, even if the
person who has the infatuation does not know that person very well. "Of sorts"
is a way of saying "a type of" (but it comes after the noun).
This guys testosterone levels are right off the charts.
"Testosterone" is the best known male hormone, that helps control the male
sex drive. If something is "off the charts," the amount of it is well
beyond normal (In this case, Buddy has way too much testosterone).
This is nuts!
An excellent word for crazy (Note that the word "nutty"
also means crazy or perhaps just strange or eccentric).
Hes kind of what you call a "here today gone tomorrow" kind of fellow.
This is Shermans way of saying Buddy is good at getting women
to fall in love with him, but then leaving them after he gets bored.
I know what it feel like to be brushed off and its OK.
If a person is "brushed off" by another person, they are ignored
in a rude manner, or in a romantic context, they are rejected.
I was working on a skyscraper in Chicago once
and my lunch blew off the 27th floor.
A "skyscraper" is a very tall building. Chicago is well known as "The Windy City."
Miss Purty, are you and Sherman having relations?
A very old-fashioned and awkward way to ask a person if they are
having sex with somebody (At a minimum, say "sexual relations").
Its not like that! Were colleagues.
A useful word for two people who have a professional or business relationship.
The next thing you know, were in the shed
and hes on top of me pumping and sweating.
A "shed" is a small wooden structure, often used for storing tools.
"To pump" is to raise water or air by moving a lever up and down,
though it can also be used, as here, to describe sexual movements.
Will you hush-up?
A possible alternative to shut-up.
He would take him home and give me hot, lovely relations.
A completely ridiculous way to describe a sexual date.
That blowhole!
A funny insult word for a person who talks to much.
Sometimes when Im alone, I can relate to myself. :: I can relate!
If a person can "relate" to something, they can understand
it from personal experience (Though the first sentence is Grandmas
silly way of referring to masturbation).
You got those childbearing hips.
If a woman has "childbearing hips," they are quite big or full.
Your family got any money? I aint paying for no big-ass wedding.
"Big-ass" is a crude but funny adjective meaning big (Note the
various grammatical issues with the second sentence).
I know a wonderful minister.
In this case, a high official of a Christian church.
I still got my wedding dress. If you want, Ill take it in.
"To take in" a dress is to make it smaller.
Can you wear a white wedding dress, young lady?
In theory, a white wedding dress means the bride is a virgin!
Look at my baby blushing!
If you "blush," your cheeks turn red because youre embarrassed.
When you realize all that been built up for 35 years!
If something "builds up" over time, it grows or accumulates.
It might make your head blow off. :: Pop goes the weasel.
A well known line from a childrens song (If something pops, it explodes
or bursts, though usually in a small or non-violent way, and a "weasel"
is a small funny looking animal).
I got my own self hot telling that story.
In this context, "hot" is a way of saying sexually
excited (If a person is hot, they are sexy).
Lesbians is cool.
A "lesbian" is a female homosexual, and "cool" is an
extremely common colloquial adjective for good or positive.
A little cunnilingus never hurt nobody.
The act of performing oral sex on a woman (Again, note the grammatical issues).
Thats tradition. :: Tradition, my ass.
This is a crude but effective way to show cynicism or disbelief.
You cheapbastard!
If a person is "cheap," they dont like to spend money.
A "bastard" is a crude insult word for a mean or abusive man.
There you go again, popping off gas in front of this lovely lady.
"Popping off gas" is a silly way of saying to pass gas or break wind.
Dont nobody want to hear your flatulence, Cletus Klump.
"Flatulence" is the correct medical term for passing gas.
Youre such a disgrace.
An excellent word for a person whose behavior is completely
outrageous or shocking (The adjective is disgraceful).
Im so sorry if I seemed distant tonight.
If a person is "distant," they are generally quiet, often
because their thoughts are with other people or places.
On the outside he seems so cocky and brash.
Two good words that mean overly confident,
generally in a loud or obnoxious sort of way.
I just got way ahead of myself. And hear
I am, talking your ear off about Buddy.
If a person "gets way ahead of themselves," they begin to think
about or plan for things that arent yet possible or likely. If somebody "talks
your ear off," they talk way too much, often for several minutes or more.
Buddy returns and tells Hartley why the school deserves his money, and Carla decides that both Sherman and Buddy are not worth the trouble.
Never seen a brother wearing a circus tent before?
A "circus" is a travelling show that features wild animals and strange people.
A "circus tent" is the large shelter of fabric or nylon that houses the circus.
Chunky butt is extremely horny.
If a person is "chunky," they are overweight or chubby. "Horny" is
a useful slang adjective for a person who wants to have sex.
The testosterone levels are way too high; You cant control him.
"Testosterone" is the male hormone that controls sex drive.
Get the coagulated serum off the back shelf.
"Coagulated serum" is a type of liquid from an animal.
A "shelf" is long and narrow piece of wood or other material
that is used to hold things (such as a book shelf).
I have an appointment with love. Goodnight, hamster boy!
Buddys silly way of referring to Jason, the lab assistant
who works with the hamsters and other lab animals.
This is gorgeous?
A powerful adjective for extremely pretty or beautiful.
I would never disrespect you. Im a puppy dog.
"To disrespect" a person is to treat them poorly, look down on them,
or in this particular case, to try and take advantage of them sexually.
Id throw him in the river with a Buick
tied to his neck. Hed probably drag the car down.
A "Buick" is well known type of car. "To drag" something is to pull it.
Hes 40 minutes late for a meeting; Why dont you fill in for him?
Here, to "fill in" for somebody is to replace them or take their place.
Do you think you can do Klumps job and crowbar that dough out of Hartley?
A "crowbar" is a thick metal bar that is used to force open doors and other
things that are stuck. "Dough" is a slang word for money. This is Dean Richmonds
way of asking Buddy if he can convince Hartley to give money to the school.
I bet you have on a thong made of licorice, dont you?
"I bet" is a very common way of saying "Im sure that..." A "thong" is a
sexy, thin type of womens underwear or bathing suit. "Licorice" is a dried root
that is used in a popular type of candy.
Klump? That fraud! That hack! That no-talent!
If a person is a "fraud," they lead a life of lies. In this context,
a "hack" is a person who lies, cheats and tries to manipulate people.
No, you got it backwards, Rockefeller. You have one minute to listen.
"You got it backwards" is a way of saying to a person that theyve
misunderstood something, especially how two things are related to
each other. "Rockefeller" is the name of an extremely rich family.
I dont want to get boogers on my fingers.
A colloquial word for the dried nasal mucus in your nose.
Dont you think Mr. Hartley would like
to know what that means in lay terms?
"Lay terms" are words used for the general public who do not know
the technical language of a particular field (such as medicine or law).
Ill break it down for all the rich dummies in the room. Listen up!
In this case, "to break down" complicated information is to explain
it very clearly, piece by piece. A "dummy" is a stupid person.
If youre going to eat nasty stuff like this....
An interesting word for dirty, unpleasant, or in this case, unhealthy.
That routs this straight to your fat cells, and it causes unsightly conditions.
In this case, "to rout" something is to guide it in the right direction.
If something is "unsightly," it is unpleasant to look at.
Case in point; This woman is suffering from what I like to call Jell-O arms.
"Case in point" is a way of saying "Here is an excellent example."
"Jell-O" is a gelatin dessert made of fruit and water that shakes
when moved, the way loose fat on a body does.
The arm is taking on a gelatin sort of vibe. Its quite nasty.
This is Buddys very slangy way of saying the womans arm has lots of loose
fat skin (A "vibe," short for vibration, is a feeling or impression).
And this one is suffering from tank ass.
Buddys ridiculous way of referring to a big ass (A "tank"
is a large vehicle used by the army for military combat).
Where theres a will, theres a way.
A well known expression that means if a person is determined
to do something, they can usually find a way to do it.
Thus giving you as they say in medical terms, gluteus minimus,
or in laymens terms, an extremely tight, wonderful ass.
"Gluteus maximus" is a well known Latin term for an ass, but here Buddy
uses the word "minimus" to refer to an ass that is well shaped and not
too big (or as Buddy would say, tight and wonderful).
Is this the nice-ass section?
In stores, there are sections for different products like mens clothing
or fresh vegetables, but this is obviously a totally ridiculous question.
Its an outrage! I assure you he has no affiliation with this school.
If something is an "outrage," it is completely shocking or unacceptable.
"Affiliation" is another word for connection or relationship.
Hartley loved you. Hes going to be at the alumniball tomorrow night...
and if you can prove the formula works, the $10,000,000 is ours.
"Alumni" are former students of a school, and a "ball" is a formal dance.
A "formula" is a recipe or a mixture of drugs or chemicals.
How would you like to fill in for Professor
Klump on a more permanent basis?
One way of saying for a long time or even indefinitely.
Will you guys just chill? He said he could handle all three of us.
"To chill" is a very slangy way of saying to calm down
(It also means, of course, to cool or make cold).
Oh, you are one sick, twistedfreak.
Here, both "sick" and "twisted" mean extremely strange, perverted or even dangerous.
A "freak" is an important word for an extremely bizarre or strange person.
Thats what I call burningcalories.
A "calorie" is a unit of energy that is produced in food.
Note that people try to burn calories in order to lose weight.
He hasnt been misbehaving, has he? :: Hes
an egotistical pig and I wish I never met him.
"To misbehave" is to act in an inappropriate or harmful way, often
like a child. If a person is "egotistical," they only think about
themselves and not about how their actions effect others.
Eviction notice? Violation of noise ordinance?
An "eviction notice" is an official announcement by a landlord
to a tenant saying the tenant will no longer be allowed to stay in
their apartment. An "ordinance" is a local law or regulation, in this
case to prevent loud noises.
Jason, I have such a hangover, I honestly dont remember.
A "hangover" is the sick feeling that people get the
morning after they have drunk too much alcohol.
Muffin? Strudel? :: Put it down. Let me talk to you.
A type of pastry popular in Germany.
You went and plumped back up to your usual,
fat, sorry, stuff-my-face til Im about dead self.
If a person is "plum," they are fat or chubby. Note the use of a multi-word
sentence that can function stylistically as an adjective (If a person is
"stuffing their face," they are eating a lot of food).
Shame on you, Sherman.
The most common way to tell a person that they
should be ashamed of themselves for their behavior.
You had the time of your life last night.
If a person has "the time of their life," theyve had
a wonderful, very fun time. A common expression.
You can get arrested in 50 states for the shit you did last night.
Note that shit can be a very general (and vulgar) word that
refers to anything, in this case stupid behavior or actions.
You need to mix yourself up another batch of this blue stuff.
"To mix up" a drink or formula is to make it or put it together.
A "batch" is a quantity of material or ingredients that is
prepared at the same time.
Get things straight with Miss. Purty.
This is a colloquial way of saying to seriously discuss problems
that had occurred in the past, in order to solve or move past them.
Sherman and Buddy go to war, and the whole school community learns just who is who...The Jitterbug contest just started. Im kidding.
"The Jitterbug" was a popular dance in the 1920s. If a person
is "kidding," they are joking or not talking seriously.
If our files are correct, you and your wife have
a fabulous daughter. :: My daughter is in rehab.
"Files" are written records that are often kept in file folders.
"Fabulous" is an alternative to wonderful or fantastic. "Rehab" is
a colloquial word for the process of trying to break a drug or alcohol
problem, usually by living in a type of hospital with other addicts.
Listen, you pompousbutt-kisser.
"Pompous" is a powerful adjective to describe a person who is arrogant or
thinks they are better than others. A "butt-kisser" is a person who treats
others well just to manipulate or be able to get something from them in return
(An educated adjective for such a person is obsequious).
I think its wonderful, all the precious little finger food.
If something is "precious," it is much loved or
highly valued, or in this case, sweet or cute.
Youre getting on my damn nerves.
"To get on a persons nerves" is to annoy, bother or irritate them.
Hes got a big announcement to make---
something about getting it all of his chest.
"To get something off your chest" is to say something embarrassing
or uncomfortable that you still think you should tell others.
You tricked him! :: Youre damn right, hamster boy.
I knew Sherman was going to get soft on me.
"To trick" a person is to fool them into believing something that
isnt true. In this case, to "get soft" on a person is to become weak
or unable to resist a great temptation or force.
That can wreck havoc on a mans sex life.
"To wreck havoc" is to destroy or ruin, often by causing great chaos.
Ive done some calculations of my own. If I drunk 500 millimeters of formula,
Ill have enough cellular stabilityto be rid of Shermans ass forever.
A "calculation" is the act of using math to solve a problem. A "millimeter"
is a small unit of quantity or size. "Cellular stability" is a biological
term referring to the health or strength of individual cells, and to
"be rid of" something is to eliminate or throw it away.
At midnight, I dont have to worry about turning into a Klumpkin.
A cute play on words: In the famous fairy tale Cinderella, the title
character must get home before midnight or shell become a pumpkin.
You have a date with linoleum.
A material used to make flooring or tiles.
Hes so shy he didnt even show up.
A very common phrasal verb meaning to arrive or come.
Is that a test tube in my pocket or am I just happy to see you? :: How dare you!
A "test tube" is a small and narrow glass container in which
liquids are stored. This type of question is a silly cliché when
people want to make fun of the bulge or bump in a mans pants.
I felt you percolating.
"To percolate" is to cause to pass through a filter, usually by heating
(Coffee percolates, but its not usually said of people, though it is
on occasion used to describe a person who is happy or excited).
Youve got to get some collard greens and some
yams. Yall got to get some peach cobbler in here.
"Collard greens" and "yams" are vegetables and "peach cobbler" is a
pie dessert (All three are popular with African-Americans).
Ive been nursemaiding Hartley for three hours...
"To nursemaid" a person is to take of them, but note this verb,
which is rare, is almost always used for children, not adults.
Find the rich dummy a seat. Its show time!
This is an expression to announce the start of something that is going to be
very entertaining or impressive (Such as when a basketball team becomes hot).
I dont know that fool.
A very stupid, ridiculous, pitiful or pathetic person.
I like to call it Buddys wondertonic.
In this context, "wonder" is an adjective meaning amazing
or miraculous, and a "tonic" is a liquid medicine for good health.
Cellular destabilization due to arrive. :: What the hell? Aint that a bitch!
If a cell becomes "destabilized," it begins to fall apart. The last two sentences
are just very slangy ways to express frustration, surprise or other strong emotion.
Hey money bags, you want a demonstration? Feast your eyes on this!
"Money bags" is a funny insult world for a rich person. The second sentence
is a way of saying "Watch carefully, because its incredible" ("To feast" on a
good meal is to eat with great enjoyment).
Thats a hell of a trick!
A colloquial expression to show emphasis ("That is an amazing trick").
Look out, David Copperfield, Im about to
make a 400 pound fat man disappear forever.
A famous magician who performs a lot in Las Vegas.
Hand over the vial now! :: Oh, sure thing, Hamster boy.
A "vial" is a small glass container for liquids. "Sure thing"
means of course or certainly, though here it used sarcastically.
First, a short musical interlude.
An interlude is a short period of music (or
just time) between two sets of music or theatre.
Buddy, what has gotten in to you, and where is Sherman?
"What has gotten into you?" is a common way of
asking a person why they are acting so strangely.
It aint over til the fat professor sings.
The above expression (with the words "until the fat lady sings") is a
way of saying that something is not finished until the very last second
passes and the event is declared over.
Sweet Jesus!
An interesting way of expressing shock or other strong emotion.
Tinkerbell! Blubber butt! Featherweight!
Silly insults for fat (or perhaps skinny) people. "Tinkerbell" is a character
in a book for young children, "Blubber Butt" is a person with a fat (blubbery) ass,
and a "Featherweight" is a boxer in the lightest division of boxing.
Somebody better call an exorcist!
Note that "better" is the only adverb that also functions as a
modal verb (meaning should). An "exorcist" is a person, who, in theory,
is able to drive out evil spirits or ghosts from peoples bodies.
I feel real jiggly. Im blubbefying!
"To jiggle" is to cause to move in quick back and forth motions
(but jigggly is not really a word). "Blubber" is a good word for fat,
but in fact, "to blubbefy" is not a real word either!
No matter what, ya got to strut. Well, Ill be damned.
Note that "you"-----> "ya" in rapid speech. "To strut" is to walk
with a proud or overly confidant style, like certain big birds.
"Ill be damned" is a curious way of showing great surprise.
Im terribly sorry about this. I hope I havent ruined everybodys evening.
As an adverb, "terribly means very. "To ruin" something is to destroy it.
Anybody I wind up with is going is going to have to accept me for who I am.
"To wind up" with a person is to be with them in the end.
You know one thing I couldnt stand
about that Buddy? He was too damn scrawny.
If a person "cant stand" something, they strongly dislike or hate it.
"Scrawny" is a useful adjective meaning too thin and weak looking.
Hes a brilliant scientist and a gentleman as well.
"Brilliant" is extremely smart or talented (perhaps even a genius).
If a man is a "gentleman," he is polite and well-behaved.

The Nutty ProfessorPossible Topics for ESL Class Discussion

1) In some ways, this movie was very funny, but do
you agree that it was also very sad and touching?
2) Could a person like Carla fall in love
with Sherman? Buddy? Both? Neither?
3) How important is physical attraction in romantic relationships?
4) Are your family dinners like those at the Klumps?
5) What did you like and not like about this movie?